The Zesty Quick Chilli Recipe That Warms Every Soul

Whipping up a quick chilli can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a meal that warms both body and soul.

Spices bring life to this classic comfort dish, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Home cooks love how simple it is to throw together these bold, satisfying flavors.

Beans, ground meat, and vibrant seasonings combine effortlessly in a single pot.

Aromas will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to gather around the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delicious, no-fuss meal that comes together in minutes.

Why Nigella Quick Chilli Is A Weeknight Winner

• Speed Demon: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this chili recipe lightning-fast to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Adaptable recipe allows customization with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro, ensuring everyone at the table finds their perfect combination.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking technique mean less cleanup, letting you enjoy a hearty meal without spending ages scrubbing pots and pans afterward.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Rich, warming spices and tender beef create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, ideal for chilly evenings or when craving something substantial.

What Goes In Nigella Quick Chilli

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic chili dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Peppers: These ingredients provide a robust flavor base and add depth to the chili's overall taste profile.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds rich, tangy moisture and helps create the signature chili sauce.
• Spices: A blend that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Beans: Provides additional protein, texture, and helps thicken the chili.
• Seasoning: Helps balance and intensify the overall flavor of the recipe.

How To Make Nigella Quick Chilli Quickly

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the meat turns brown and no pink remains. Carefully drain off any excess fat using a colander or paper towels.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Stir and cook until the vegetables become tender and release their fragrant aroma, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse Robust Flavors

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in tomato sauce and add kidney beans. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili gently simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the flavors to meld and intensify for 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced green onions.

Tips To Get Nigella Quick Chilli Just Right

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess fat to prevent greasy chili and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Spice It Right: Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or cayenne for heat lovers, or reducing for milder palates.
• Bean Variety Boost: Mix different beans like kidney, black, and pinto for complex texture and enhanced nutritional value.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace beans with extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and color.

Ways To Tweak Nigella Quick Chilli

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Chicken Chili Verde: Swap beef for shredded chicken and use green chilies and tomatillos to create a lighter, tangy southwestern-style chili.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Substitute beans with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the hearty texture and spicy profile of traditional chili.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients after browning meat into a slow cooker and let simmer on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more developed flavors and tender meat.

What To Serve With Nigella Quick Chilli

• Complement Classic Chili with Bold Wine Pairings: Zinfandel's robust flavor matches the hearty meat and spice profile, cutting through the richness with its bold fruit notes.
• Create Cooling Contrast with Crisp Side Drinks: Mexican lager or light beer provides a refreshing counterpoint, washing down the chili's intense flavors while cleansing the palate.
• Elevate Texture with Crunch-Worthy Accompaniments: Corn chips or toasted sourdough bread add delightful crispness, creating perfect scooping vehicles and textural intrigue against the soft chili base.
• Boost Flavor Depth with Tangy Toppings: Sharp cheddar cheese and cool sour cream provide creamy, tangy layers that enhance the chili's complex spice profile and balance its warmth.

How To Store Nigella Quick Chilli The Easy Way

• Store leftover chilli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer chilli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat freezing helps save space and allows faster thawing.
• Place chilli in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed to 165°F internal temperature.
• Pour chilli into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs About Nigella Quick Chilli

• What kind of beef works best for chilli?

Ground chuck or ground beef with 80/20 fat content provides the most flavor and juiciness for this recipe.

• Can I make this chilli spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, extra chilli powder, or a dash of hot sauce to increase heat according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check seasoning and tomato sauce labels to confirm.

• How can I make the chilli more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach during the cooking process to boost nutritional value.

Quick Chilli Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy comfort meets Mexican culinary magic in this quick chilli recipe that delivers robust flavor in under 30 minutes. Hearty ground beef, smoky spices, and rich tomato base combine for a soul-warming meal perfect for hungry crowds seeking bold, satisfying comfort.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 red pepper
• 1 green pepper
• 400 grams (14 ounces) kidney beans

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 400 grams (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown ground beef, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers into the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and other selected spices across the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour tomato sauce and kidney beans into the skillet, mixing ingredients thoroughly to create a cohesive chili base.
5. Reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure consistent temperature.
6. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices to enhance overall flavor profile.
7. Transfer hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with preferred toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in your chili, ensuring a cleaner, less oily dish.
• Sauté vegetables on medium heat to develop deeper, richer flavors without burning.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your heat tolerance.
• For a healthier version, swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 316 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg